Seth Clark of Macon becomes 2nd Democrat to enter Georgia's lieutenant governor race
ATLANTA (AP) — A second Democrat has entered the race for Georgia lieutenant governor.
Seth Clark, who recently resigned from the Macon-Bibb County Commission, announced his candidacy Monday. He joins state Sen. Josh McLaurin of Atlanta as the only Democrats who have filed to run.
McLaurin and Clark will face off in the May 19 primary to succeed Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is running for governor. Five Republicans are also running for the office, including state Sens. Steve Gooch of Dahlonega, Greg Dolezal of Cumming, Blake Tillery of Vidalia, former state Sen. John F. Kennedy of Macon and state Rep. David Clark of Sugar Hill.
Clark had served as Macon's mayor pro tem and as executive director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative, a group pushing to create a national park in middle Georgia and to protect natural lands along the Ocmulgee River. In an announcement video, Clark pledged to focus on affordability
“I'm running because the cost of living shouldn't break working folks, especially not in a state as rich in talent and heart and possibility as Georgia,” Clark said.
He said his record in Macon, including supporting tax cuts, strengthening public safety and renewing infrastructure shows what he can do for Georgia. Clark said he will also focus on public schools, affordable housing, child care, health care and higher education.
Several state House Democrats endorsed Clark, including Rep. Stacey Evans of Atlanta and Rep. Tangie Herring of Macon.
McLaurin said he welcomed Clark to the race, but McLaurin characterized himself as “a proven fighter” who can cut through President Donald Trump’s "chaos to deliver real wins for working people.” McLaurin touts his endorsements from top Democrats in the state Senate including Minority Leader Harold Jones II of Augusta and Whip Kim Jackson of Stone Mountain.
